Looking a lot like a scaled up RAV4, the all-new supersized three-row 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander crossover SUV was revealed at the Chicago Auto Show, bringing a new rival to the likes of the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade and the also all-new 2023 Honda Pilot.
With styling that draws from the more squared jawed masculine lines of the Toyota showroom instead of those from the current Highlander SUV, the new Grand Highlander rides on the brand’s TNGA-K platform.
It’s longer, wider and taller than the Highlander by some 6-inches in length and 2-inches in width. To be available in XLE, Limited and Platinum trims it will feature full LED lighting front and rear with a variety of grille treatments and wheels ranging from 18-20 inches in size.
Its extra length and width is all about the family size functionality of its cabin. Now with a true adult-sized third row, it’s even larger than some of the full-size dimensions of the Sequoia. The Grand Highlander offers the room to have your tribe and also all their gear for a long trip.
Fully featured it offers them seven USB-C ports, a wireless charger and a new 12.3-inch multimedia center screen featuring wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto, a range of audio systems and a list of Google backed cloud features too comprehensive to list – most subscription based.
The cabin itself is designed very cockpit-like and features premium materials across the board from SofTex vinyl to leather and an Ultrasuede top grade palette with accent colors and lots of creature comforts. Storage and cargo space is generous throughout with some 98 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander will offer three powertrains starting with the new 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that made its debut in the Highlander for 2023 where it produces 265 horsepower and 309 pound-feet of torque. Specs for the Grand Highlander should be similar. It will be available with either FWD or AWD.
You can also opt for the tried and true 2.5-liter hybrid with either FWD or AWD. With a projected 34 mpg combined, the hybrid should offer output similar to that of the 243 combined system horsepower of the Highlander.
Topping the chart will be the new Hybrid MAX powertrain that recently made its debut in the new Toyota Crown flagship sedan. Offering 362-horsepower and 400-pound feet of torque with standard AWD it’s the most powerful yet with a projected 0-60 time of 6.3 seconds.
Featuring a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission with a powerful electric motor between them and an additional electric motor is at the rear axle the Hybrid MAX powertrain will offer 5,000 pounds of towing capacity.
The powertrains will be spread out across the trim grades, XLE getting the 2.4-liter turbocharged gas 2.5 liter hybrid only. Limited trim grade offers all three powertrains. The top trim Platinum trim can be had with only the 2.4-liter turbo and the Hybrid MAX.
The 2024 Grand Highlander was designed specifically for the North American market and will be built here at Toyota’s Princeton, Indiana plant. Final specs and pricing will be along closer to launch this summer. Our first test drive should come late spring or early summer.
